Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Tracy Coper, Indianapolis, IN — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:08:55 GMT

It's wonderful that in her lifetime, she has seen the changes occur and the struggles African Americans have endured and obstacles overcome. We are still not unified despite being the land of the Free and the Brave. But we are making strides, people are becoming more open minded and do seek to change the path made by their forefathers to an open path headed for unending opportunity for their children. To Della and evryone else, no matter the race, a change is coming, Hope Prevails and Believe in the impossible and Knwo that not only Will We see change, We must ready ourselves for Change and know that America as a whole is on the right track. As a 37 year old African American woman, I knew my future would hold Promise and Opportunity and I believe that the time has come. I have always had faith in my country and the people that live here and love their country too. I am Proud to be an American. It's not that I never thought I could be, but the time is now. And it took alot of Americans working together, looking to a brighter future to want to see change. Della, yes the time is now and God Bless You.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Andrea, Bonaire, GA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:11:33 GMT

Such a wonderful story. I would love to know what she thinks of Barack Obama's acceptance speech tonight.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Chris Cardenas — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:20:07 GMT

Beautiful...

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Kimberly in Austin, Texas — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:02:07 GMT

What a wonderful story, I feel blessed to have read this. Thank you for this.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Maggie Ann Arbor, MI — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:51:56 GMT

MSNBC coverage of the DNC is horrible...too opinionated...they talk over the speakers at the convention....Olbermann and Matthews shut-up...I miss Tim Russert....I have switched to CNN, which is sad, because I have watched NBC and MSNBC for many years.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Clarence — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:54:46 GMT

105! that's amazing. She's a wonderful person.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

CATHI SPICER, RIPLEY, TENNESSEE — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:55:59 GMT

"WOW" 105 YEARS OLD, THIS IS AWESOME...AND CAN STILL REMEMBER MEETING DR. KING. WHAT AN EXTRAODINARY STORY. A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE, BY LIVING OUT OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL DREAMS AND ASPIRATIONS. THANK GOD FOR DELLA AND DR. KING!

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Trina C, NOrfolk VA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:12:20 GMT

It is so wonderful that Della is still here to see the history made possible by ( in essence) the speech she heard 45 years ago. I remember that speech (although I was just a child when it happened) I have always beleived in the promise of Dr. Kings words, and still believe that day is coming, This election is further validation of the truth of his DREAM. Through God all things really are possible...

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Trina C, Norfolk VA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:13:05 GMT

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Vic, New York, NY — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:21:55 GMT

Della, as a son of immigrants born in America, i have bittersweet feelings about this country. The short but powerful life of Dr. King, this historic presidential campaign, and, now, your life story, is where I look to for solace.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Janice Kirks, Augusta, GA — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:02:22 GMT

I would love to meet Ms Della and listen to all of the history she have in her heart and soul. Beautiful story from a Beautiful lady! God Bless You!

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

PM — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:21:47 GMT

Blacks have made progress, but they also have fallen back, the culture of gang violence and the negative message's of rap music that are promoted are an insult to them. Get rid of gang culture

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Bruce Hiner, Williamstown, KY — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:49:43 GMT

Della Jones is, indeed, a remarkable lady. I have the privilege of being able to visit with her from time to time, and she has forgotten more than I could ever hope to remember. Such a national treasure, and a warm, loving human being. Her Christian faith is unshakable, and an inspiration to us all.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Melinda Morgan, Florence, KY — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:33:22 GMT

Della is an amazing woman indeed! I was fortunate to live on her street for 6 years. As I would take walks up and down the street with my children in a stroller she would tap on her window for us to come over and chat. Everytime I did, I came away so blessed and in awe of the interesting details she would share from her past. The fact that she could recall all of those details at 100+ years was in itself amazing to me!! A truly remarkable American!

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

K Dickerson, BirminghamAL — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:43:34 GMT

What a oy. I believe there is a woman named Ethel Mae Turner who would be 112 and she has some wonderful stories to tell from here in Birmingham, AL. She once lived at Faush Towers Assisted Living and I attended her 111 birthday party there last year.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

K Dickerson, Bham, AL — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:44:29 GMT

I meant what a JOY!

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

dee white richmond va — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:06:59 GMT

The only problem I have, it maybe history making that
a black man is possibly going to be president of the United States. If someone is half white and black why automatically an African American. What is making him
black versus white? Is it his look? Someone let me know.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Jessica, N. Fort Myers, Fl — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:13:11 GMT

regarding yesterdays speech by O'Bama I have to say as a white voter I feel like the Today show has put to much emphasis on race. This morning's show even stated that it was "a great day for African Americans" How about a great day for America!
If the people at NBC thought the day was only for the African Americans; what was Al doing in Liverpool!!

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Jannette Adams, Columbus, MS — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:20:53 GMT

This is a wonderful story. I have watched the Today Show every day for years, however, I am disappointed that they have chosen to diminish such a historic event. The coverage this morning on the Obama speech and his historic moment was abominable. They gave more coverage to John McCain than the beauty of history. Shame on you Matt and Meredith for showing who you truly support. I expect this from FOX News but not from what had been my favorite show. I am switching to CBS Morning Show starting Today. I was alive when Martin Luther King gave his famous speech and was moved by last night's historic moment. This is the first blog I have written to you. Thanks for spurring me on to do everything I can to get Obama elected if for no other reason to counter your imbalanced coverage. CNN did a much better job.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

scott kleinman, boynton beach, florida — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:25:25 GMT

I find it amazing how poorly Meredith Viera speaks. I guess if it's not written out for her she is then clueless. If she actually reads all her news like a robot then shame on her and the uneducated news team. We hear about her education and her power status but what about her grammar? For example, the word "none" is singular and should not be used with "are" but with "is" and when she likes to eat "healthy" should be "healthily". Be aware when using verbs and adjectives.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Dan Smith, Chicago, IL — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:29:03 GMT

This comment does not relate to your topic, but this is the only place I can find to complain. So I turn on the Today Show to see the reaction to Obama's wonderful, historic acceptance speech. After some decent excerpts, who does NBC turn to for analysis ... none other than Peggy Noonan, a prominent conservative and Ronald Reagan speechwriter, who gives a tepid reaction. The focus then turns to a lengthy speculation on who will be John McCain's running mate. Please .... does NBC think it has to compete with FOX to be an extension of the Republican Party?

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Nicole Parker, Raleigh, NC — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:54:02 GMT

My mother was responsible for the coverage on Della Jones. She is truly a jem of America and still believes in this country. We all need to believe the way she has believed her whole life and come together as a nation. Stop the negativity and reflect positve on how far we have come and stay united....

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

L. McLaughlin, Burbank, California — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:13:36 GMT

A milestone in our nation's history - the nomination of an African American by one of the two major political parties - and the Today Show leads this morning's political coverage with more speculation on John McCain's VP choice. Then we are given a pretty negative review of Obama's speech by a former speech writer for Ronald Regan. It's as if the network felt compelled to couter the impact of this event on its own rather than simply report the news based on its significance.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Kathy Parker, Dry Ridge, KY — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:29:53 GMT

I hope the comments can get back to Della because it is such a great article & she is an amazing lady. I read the story to her today & she was so proud of it. My friend & I visit her every Fri.& I told her I would print off the comments & read them to her because people were saying such good things about her. The history that she remembers & lived through is something I wish she could share with everyone. She actually had to live apart from her husband during the depression. They sold their car & he walked to work. She took a train & a bus to go to work & couldn't afford to come home except for every couple of months. She rented a room for 2 yrs getting home to her husband when she could. She uses a board to slide into bed. She was offered a wheelchair that would move around real easily but refused it because she said she needed to keep her arms strong to hold on to the board that she uses for her bed. She has always kept that thought of persevering to accomplish her goals just as Martin Luther King told her at graduation. She just told us today that she was only short 9 hrs of getting her masters degree but couldn't finish due to high blood pressure. She still wants to be able to send people cards & clean & cook. She's frustrated that she can't do what she used to do. We tell her that's o.k. when you are 105, you don't have to do anything just sit & tell us stories. We love this woman & have lots of memories to cherish as does anyone that stops by for a visit.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

carolyn d. s. Brown — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:48:39 GMT

What a joy to be living to see this happen. A BLACK man nominated. to be the President of the United States

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Cheryl — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:08:45 GMT

A great story on Della. I'm have no doubt she is a marvelous lady.

Let's please remember that a lot of people, not just African Americans have had a rough life. We speak of discrimination....yet we have a Miss Black America... and if anyone ever dared to have a Miss White America....oh my goodness! What's fair in this life?

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Mary Zink — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:16:21 GMT

I am an ex watcher of today as you crucified a 17 year old girl because of a pregnancy. How dare you do that. Natalie is pregnant, is she married? I am a mother of a 16 year old who was pregnant, gave birth with her family standing with her. Thank the Lord she was not exposed to you people. Why can't you use your hearts instead of politics?

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Brenda Tynes, Miami, Florida — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:23:41 GMT

I did not appreciate the comments that Kathie Lee Gifford made about most people will stay home and not vote for Obama on Election. How unprofessional of her. I thought hosts of Today Show could not give personal opinions like that. And further that sets the wrong tone for America as we try to work past our racial differences.

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:04:56 GMT

I guess I have to put these TWO guys eyes on some PIES
because they aRe SQUARES

I shoot up flares into the the air because though most people dont, Matthew Bellamy cares

Plus I master my (circumpherance) those some fake cats be running sh t

I'm one that everyone should run and get

I got 3.14 reasons why I had done the hit

That the fake king wanted to spit

I wrote about fallen stars when I was 22 over 7 diffent drafts before I said that that was it

so keep on paying attention to the mover and shaker

2pieRsquare is the formula for the circumpherence of a circle and you must multiply 2 times pie times the radius squared because the raduis squared is the diameter of the cirlce itself kid

i guess the ghost writer did not have the knowledge to reply

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Matthew bellamy — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:16:33 GMT

Aye
by: Matthew Bellamy

I've got love for the vets
because of how long they have been in the game

I've got love for the vets
who have stormed the beaches in the pouring rain

I've got love for vets
who keep good care of pet and keep the creatures
from becoming endangered

But I dont turn the other cheek because I was not born
in a manger

You are strange
But to you I am just a stranger

Model status
My clothes hang off of my body like I am a clothes
hanger

But I am the pilot
of a new era as if I were an airman Tuskeseegee

And errybody C u
and know that you wish that you could be me

And it still aint that easy for either of us

Your fronting in a stolen car and the AC does not
work on the city bus

The effect of some bacteria feeding on us

Trying to deplete our pus

But I still got the intellect like white blood

and our cell formulation makes each one of us us...

Centenarian remembers Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech

Karen Whittemore — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:49:51 GMT

Nora, that woman Rothschild, you just had on saying that she was switching from being a Hillary supporter to McCain.......she had all her facts wrong.
None of what she said McCain was for is true...it's as if she was talking about what Obama has been for since he started this race and McCain has taken Obama's ideas just recently! Dear God can't McCain be held liable for all his lies and mistruths??????